CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF VISITS THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND
Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke made an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 24th to 27th January 2016 on the invitation of General Sommai Kaotira, the Chief of Defence Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces. He was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Roshani Gunatilleke, and a delegation consisting of Direcotor General General Staff of OCDS, Major General KJ Alwis and ADC, Wing Commander KJ Dissanayake.\r\n\r\nOn arrival in Bangkok, Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke and delegation were received by senior military officials at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport Bangkok. During the visit the Chief of Defence Staff called on General Prawit Wongsuwon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Thailand Her Excellency Mrs. Kshenuka Seneviratne, General Udomdej Sitabutr, Deputy Minister of Defence, General Sommai Kaotira, the Chief of Defence Forces and Military officials of the Royal Thai Armed Forces also participated in the meeting. The Deputy Prime Minister was gracious in offering the support of the Royal Thai Military to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in areas desired. \r\n\r\nThe Chief of Defence Staff was accorded a Tri Service Guard of Honour at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters with the participation of General Sommai Kaotira the Chief of Defence Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces.\r\n\r\nDuring discussions, the Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the importance of sharing military experiences, Intelligence and working together towards Disaster Mitigation and Management in the region, and global terrorist issues. Further, he recalled the long lasting relations between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Thailand. The Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand expressed interest in learning from the experience of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in Counter Terrorist Operations.\r\n\r\nThe Visit afforded an opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments in the related fields and also strengthened the bonds of friendship and security cooperation between two countries.\r\n\r\nThe Chief of Defence Staff also visited the Counter Terrorist Operation Centre (CTOC), where he observed a demonstration on the capabilities of the Centre. \r\n\r\nThe delegation was also afforded the opportunity to visit places of Religious and National interest. The Grand Place, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Wat PhoTemple and Art of Kingdom Throne Hall were among the places visited.
